Alice Marie Johnson, who had her sentence commuted by President Donald Trump after she served 21 years in prison for cocaine trafficking, speaks during a celebration of the First Step Act in the East Room of the White House Apr. 1, 2019.
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Alice Marie Johnson has been designated as the “pardon czar” by President Trump, with the responsibility to recommend candidates for presidential commutations.
During a recent Black History Month gathering at the White House, Trump hailed Johnson, who had her sentence commuted and was later pardoned during his first administration, as “an inspiration to people.”
Trump granted her a commutation on June 6, 2018, and then a full pardon on August 28, 2020.
Before her sentence commutation, Johnson, who is now 69, spent over two decades in federal prison for a first-time, nonviolent drug offense.
Here’s what to know about Johnson and her intentions as the pardon czar.
A “voice” for those still in incarceration
Born in Olive Branch, Mississippi, Johnson was a single mother of five, working at a Kellogg’s factory while struggling financially. In an attempt to boost her earnings, she entered the drug trade, a choice she later described to MicMedia as “one of the worst decisions of my life to make quick money.” While the timeline of her involvement in drugs is unclear, reports indicate that the drug operation was active from 1991 to 1994.
In 1993, Johnson was arrested; by 1996, she was convicted on multiple charges, including money laundering, conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, and structuring a monetary transaction according to the ACLU. The next year, she received a life sentence without parole, plus an additional 25 years.
Johnson asserts she did not sell drugs or partake in drug transactions; rather, she provided her phone for associates, transmitted messages, and held money for someone involved.
During her incarceration, Johnson leaned on her faith, took on volunteer work as a hospice aide, mentored fellow inmates, and even authored theater plays.
Since her release, Johnson has become a strong proponent of criminal justice reform, advocating for the abolition of mandatory minimum sentences. She established the Taking Action for Good Foundation to assist others in securing clemency and published a memoir titled, After Life: My Journey from Incarceration to Freedom, in 2019.
“Now that I have a voice, I’m committed to advocating for those who remain incarcerated and lack the platform that I currently have,” she expressed to the ACLU post-release. “Sentencing reform is essential, and for the sake of humanity, we need to adopt some sensible policies regarding sentencing—it affects lives.”
A celebrity played a crucial role in her commutation
Reality television star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian was vital in campaigning for Johnson’s commutation. After viewing Johnson’s story in a 2017 MicMedia video, Kardashian deemed her sentence “so unfair” in a social media post and pushed for her release.
Alice Marie Johnson and Kim Kardashian attend an event celebrating Johnson’s 5 years of freedom and honoring Kim Kardashian on Jun. 8, 2023 in Los Angeles, Calif.
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A short while later, Kardashian met with Trump to discuss Johnson’s situation, and a week post their meeting, Johnson’s sentence was commuted.
Upon meeting Johnson for the first time right after the commutation, Kardashian remarked during a Today Show chat that she was the one who conveyed the good news to Johnson.
“I cherish this woman,” Kardashian expressed when they met face-to-face.
Johnson stated to the ACLU that Kardashian’s involvement represented “one of the greatest blessings of my life,” believing they shared a meaningful connection.
Continuing clemency efforts as pardon czar
In her newly appointed role, Johnson remarked on Monday that she is dedicated to “honoring the trust” President Trump has placed in her.
“He has provided me with specific duties,” Johnson stated during a FOX News interview. “Since my release, I have been relentlessly working on this; it’s really a continuation of the efforts I’ve already undertaken. I have presented numerous pardon cases to the President before.”
Johnson underscored the importance of ensuring “safety in communities” when making pardon suggestions. She aims to confirm that individuals receiving commuted sentences not only receive a second chance but also “the best opportunity for success.”
“I don’t want to facilitate people’s return home only for them to be at risk of failure,” Johnson said, emphasizing the need for follow-ups and support during transitions from prison.
These follow-ups will be done not to “catch them doing something wrong” but to ensure they have resources to make better choices, such as mental health support.
Johnson also expressed that she would collaborate with Pastor Paula White-Cain, appointed by Trump to lead the White House Faith Office, alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi to assist with the recommendations.
NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe contributed to this report.
